Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over four years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

- The Catholic community has been thrown into mourning following the tragic death of Father Allois Cheruiyot Bett.

Allois of the Catholic Diocese of Eldoret was attacked and killed by unknown people on Thursday, May 22, while on his pastoral work in the Tot area.

Confirming the sad news, the National Police Service said Father Allois was accosted by armed assailants in Mokoro Location, Kakiptul Sub-location.

"The National Police Service (NPS) regrets to confirm the tragic shooting of Reverend Father Allois Cheruiyot Bett of St. Matthias Mulumba Tot Parish. The incident occurred in Mokoro Location, Kakiptul Sub-Location, Kabartile Village. General Service Unit officers responded swiftly and established that Father Bett was accosted and fatally shot by armed assailants. A manhunt was immediately launched, and six suspects have since been arrested and are currently in custody," NPS said.

Eldoret Diocese Auxiliary Bishop John Kiplimo Arap Lelei said Allois's death has robbed the Catholic Diocese of Eldoret of a devoted servant of God, a compassionate soul, and a pillar of hope to many.

Allois was widely known for his unwavering commitment to his faith, his tireless service to the community, and his humility.

Nandi senator Kiprotich Arap Cherargei is among Kenyans who have mourned the death of the Catholic priest.

In his condolence message, Cherargei called on the National Police Service to take decisive action to end banditry in Kerio Valley.

"My deepest condolences over the senseless killing of Rev. Fr. Allois Cheruiyot Bett by the alleged bandits at Kerio Valley in Elgeyo Marakwet county who served in the Catholic Diocese of Eldoret. He comes from Lessos in Nandi Hills constituency, Nandi county.

"This insecurity continues to cost lives and peace that must be dealt with decisively by the security apparatus as we continue to call for peace, calm and tranquillity in the Kerio Valley region."

Cheruto Cheruto

"Heartbreaking 💔,we bind the spirit of death in Jesus name!We pray for the church of Christ."

Lindsey Ruth:

"It's unbelievable.rest in peace Fr.Alois😭."

Laurrets Mitchelle:

"Murkomen is no longer working...does it mean that the bandits are more powerful than forces? Or he's just focused on Trans Nzoia?"

In a late-night update, the police confirmed that six suspects linked to the brutal murder of the priest had been arrested and detained for questioning.

The officers had initially refuted claims that the bishop was ambushed and killed by bandits and cattle wrestlers. According to their findings, the man of the cloth was killed by criminals, not the usual marauding bandits.

A few hours after issuing the clarification, the officers informed the public that six suspects had been taken in for questioning.

The motive for the murder of the celebrated bishop is yet to be established.

Elgeyo Marakwet governor Wesley Rotich asked the police to speed up the investigations to ensure all suspects are brought to book.

Bishop Bett was hailed as a great champion of peace and unity, particularly in conflict-prone areas of the North Rift region.

Father Allois’s death follows closely after the murder of Father John Maina from the Catholic Diocese of Nyahururu.

The killing of Father Maina shocked both religious communities and the general public, especially as it happened just three weeks after he hosted former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua and other prominent figures at a high-profile fundraiser.

His lifeless body was found on Thursday, 15 May, approximately 50 kilometres from his parish at Igwamiti Catholic Church.

Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) suspect the murder occurred at a different location, with the body later abandoned at Kikopey, along the Nakuru-Nairobi highway near Gilgil.

Source: TUKO.co.ke